Housing Conditions and Improvement Guidelines for the Elderly Living in Urban Areas: Case Studies of Four ’s Districts Nakhara: Journal of Environmental Design and Planning Volume 18, 2020 Housing Conditions and Improvement Guidelines for the Elderly Living in Urban Areas: Case Studies of Four Bangkok’s Districts

Trirat Jarutach a / Nutcha Lertpradit b a Center of Excellence in Universal Design, Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, Corresponding author: [email protected] b Center of Excellence in Universal Design, Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Received 2019-12-26; Revised 2020-04-10; Accepted 2020-04-13

ABSTRACT

The demographic structure of the Thai population has shifted to an ageing society with an increasing number of elderly people living in urban areas. This research, therefore, is aimed to study and analyze the housing conditions of the elderly as well as relevant behaviors and issues, and provide recommendations for improvement. This research employs interviews and onsite-surveys for data collection. Findings showed that the current conditions are inappropriate; bedroom furniture should be less high; handrails should be installed in bathrooms; stair risers should be shortened, and a common area e.g. a gazebo, should be provided for the elderly to spend time outside together.

Keywords: housing condition, living inside a dwelling, elderly people, urban area Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) 117 117 Trirat Jarutach / Nutcha Lertpradit

INTRODUCTION Therefore, this research set out to investigate the housing conditions of older persons living in Bangkok According to the United Nations’ (2017) estimate of areas; including the 4 districts of Phasi Charoen the world’s older population, year 2001 to 2100 has (Khlong Lat Phachi, Sirin & Friends, and Rasi Tham been designated the century of the elderly; when Communities) (Rattanapaisal, 2018), Pra Nakorn the population aged 60 or over exceeds 10% of the (Praeng Puthorn and Praeng Nara Communities) world population. In 2017, the number of the older (Laksameewattana, 2018), Wang Thonglang population reached 12.7%, which was the first time (Sub Sin Mai Community) (Thupoltab, 2017), and in world history that the number surpassed that of Din Daeng (Din Daeng Community Restoration the children. The number of those of extreme old Project) (Buapradit, 2018). It includes the analysis of age is likely to surpass that of the past century. conditions, relevant behaviors and housing issues. These growing numbers means that there will be Consequently, the research arrives at housing a smaller proportion of the working-age population improvement recommendations and guideline, which which will lead to the reduction of labor production, could lead to future design prototypes suitable for the as well as savings. The implication also includes a living of the elderly. greater government budget must be allocated to social welfare and medical expense to support the ageing population. Therefore, resource management studies and preparation are crucial for economic and HISTORY AND BACKGROUND social stability. This research was conducted in the 4 urban districts of Phasi Charoen, Pra Nakorn, Wang Thonglang, Thailand shares the trend of an ageing population and Din Daeng. Each has its own history and with the world. From the estimate of the Thai background given different context of location, population projection from 2010 – 2040 (Office of environment, and key events in history. Details are the National Economics and Social Development as follows: Council, 2013), Thailand will have an increased number of elderly dependents. This is in line with the data from the National Statistical Office (2014) showing that Thailand has become an aged society (Khlong Lat since 2005, having an old-age population of 10.4%. Phachi, Sirin & Friends, and Rasi It is also expected that numbers will be increase to Tham Communities) 20% which makes Thailand become a complete aged society in 2021, and turn to be a super-aged Phasi Charoen District’s Ban Man Kong Community society in 2035 when an old-age population reach is a housing project accommodating those inflicted to 28% of country population. by gentrification in the past. As consequence of aggressive land development in Bangkok, those From studies about older people living in Bangkok without the land ownership were forced to leave as by the College of Population Studies, Chulalongkorn the owner wished to realize its financial potential. University, and Department of Older Persons, the Ban Man Kong Housing Development Project was post-implementation report of the National Plan for initiated to solve the issues by providing affordable Older Persons No. 2 during 2002 – 2021 and Phase accommodation to those affected. 3 during 2012 – 2016, it was found that in Bangkok, only 7.3% of the houses were in suitable condition for the living of older persons. As urbanization is driving higher prices of land and houses, it also Pra Nakorn (Praeng Puthorn and shifts housing design from horizontal to vertical Praeng Nara Communities) development. All of which have created barriers for the older persons’ living. It is pertinent to study and Pra Nakorn District is located on the Rattanakosin Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) find the proper housing conditions for older people Island. From the city plan1, the area is in reserved living in the urban environment. for promotion of Thai cultural identity. Buildings in the 118 118

1 Principle City Plan of Bangkok by Department of City Planning Housing Conditions and Improvement Guidelines for the Elderly Living in Urban Areas: Case Studies of Four Bangkok’s Districts

conservation zone typically have limited space and accordingly, resolved to pass the Din Daeng with steeper stairways, which are not friendly to older Community Restoration Master Plan (2016 - 2024), people. The area, under the ownership of Bureau of of which included the 28-story Residential Building the Crown Property, went through the Restoration G. The G Building was completed, and ready for Project which consisted of 6 sub-projects; including move-in on July 2018. The majority of its occupants the 114 and 123-year-old commercial buildings of were from the old Din Daeng Flat. The Building G Praeng Puthon and Praeng Nara. Currently, the was designed by considering its older residents. two buildings are registered as historical sites and, The 8th and 9th floors were specifically dedicated though not yet improved by the owner, were included to the senior tenants. The building was, therefore, in the plan. Key highlights of this study area were 1) an interesting case studying as it offers a look into its buildings’ long history dating back to the reign of 1) the housing conditions of the building designed to King Rama I, registered to the Fine Arts Department meet the needs of the elderly and 2) limitations to the as historical sites 2) its reputable, long-established older people living in a high-rise building. local restaurants 3) its current local occupants who who adopted and would pass on the lifestyle to the next generation. RELEVANT CONCEPTS AND THEORIES

Wang Thonglang This research concerns housing conditions of older (Sub Sin Mai Community) people. Important ideas and theories pertinent to this research are Age-friendly City, Ageing In Place The community in , and Accessible City. also under the Bureau of the Crown Property’s patronage, was developed as the model for Older People’s Living Quality Improvement Program. It Age-friendly City has the distinction of being the urban community with over-30-year family relations as its foundation. An age-friendly city refers to a city responsive to Older people lived in the area including locals and living of older people. The United Nations has laid migrants; some of which moved in for jobs from other out 8 key areas for a framework for development parts of the country. This group also includes the including “1) Outdoor spaces and buildings 2) elderlies who moved into the city to look after their Transportation 3) Housing 4) Social participation 5) grandchildren; as the parents worked away from Respect and social inclusion 6) Civic participation home. The migration directly impacted the living of and employment 7) Communication and information these older persons. and 8) Community support and health services,” which need support from each and all units. Among these, the areas pertinent to physical environments Din Daeng (Din Daeng Community are 1), 2), and 3), which directly determine people’s Restoration Project) living quality in terms of convenience and efficiency of their daily routine. Previously, the area of National Housing Authority’s Din Daeng Housing Project2 was allotted for the Most of all those keys would be used from the City’s dump site. Later, it was occupied by the poor beginning of this research. The key number 3 and became a slum. The government, therefore, (Housing) would be concerned in the analyzing part assigned the Public Welfare Department to build a to summarize the housing improvement guideline flat for the low-income tenants. It was named Din with the key number 4 (Social participation) and Daeng Flat. Currently, the 50-year-old flat is in a 5 (Respect and social inclusion) which describes deteriorated state, and might not be considered as the participation of the community and the elderly Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) healthy for living. The National Housing Authority, participants who live in all 4 districts area. All sample 119 119

2 Phaen Maebot Khrong Kan Fuenfu Mueang Chumchon Dindaeng 2559-2567 BE [Din Daeng Community Resto- ration Master Plan (2016 - 2024)]. Trirat Jarutach / Nutcha Lertpradit

services. However, in fact, more than 90% of the older people wish to stay at their own houses in their community, as it feels at home and comfortable, which could help them to experience a faster physical health recovery.

The concept of ageing in place is for integrated development aiming to optimize happiness and satisfaction for the elderly, which ultimately refers to the ability to continue to live in their community. The society and people in the community should support and enable older persons to live with others normally. This could be obtained by providing facilities and housing improvement to meet the older people’s needs. Key principles of this concept are to create awareness and shift the mind-set regarding the design of housing, as well as social and community environment, to that of Design for All.

Figure 1: This research supports the idea of ageing in place by Determinants of Active Ageing searching for the better living guideline to maintain (Source: Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide 2007) desirable environment which the most suitable for the elderly’s happiness.

respondents and also other people living in those communities would receive all data and information they should understand before and while the Accessible City research continuing as refer to the key number 7 In the city scale, key concepts of environmental (Communication and information). design for older persons consists of 1) environmental management for the elderly 2) environmental model for the elderly’s healthy living and 3) usage of public Ageing in Place spaces, which covers quality living development for older people in all aspects of physical environment, In Thai culture, the most common family structure including public spaces, as well as social areas, is the large family consisting of all family members with an aim for the wellbeing of residents. (Bureau living together as an extended family. The Thai of Environmental Health, 2015) Population Situation Report 2015 by UNFPA Thailand shows that a three-generation family has In addition to issues concerning housing condition, the largest number as 33.6% of the total number of this research also cover the area of social contexts families in country. The number is increasing due to in four districts. The idea of Accessible City would the fact that the elderly is living longer, and the family be used as the supportive theory to find the solution need to save costs related to economic matters. for more suitable living condition of the elderly in Ageing people are increasingly staying in their place case of the connection of housing area and public living with their family. area.

The concept of ageing in place pertains to providing Although set forth by different organizations, the health services. It entertains the idea of encouraging three theories commonly focus on the importance

Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) retirees to continue to live in their homes, where of well-being of the elderly, whether at the city level, health services and supports will be made readily district level, community level or home level. All of available, when needed. In general, older persons those are used to determine the direction of this

120 will need to move into other place such as health research to conduct the guideline for the better path centers or hospitals to obtain health and medical forward. Housing Conditions and Improvement Guidelines for the Elderly Living in Urban Areas: Case Studies of Four Bangkok’s Districts

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Community), and (Din Daeng Community Restoration Project). The study does This research aims to study housing conditions not cover any other areas in Bangkok. of the elderly in environmental, economic, and social contexts of four Bangkok districts; Phasi The population samples in this research are limited Charoen, Pra Nakorn, Wang Thonglang, and Din to older people aged 60 and over, living in the studies Daeng district, and analyze the housing conditions, areas. From the secondary source of information behaviors, and relevant issues found at the houses and site surveys, the sampled population can be of the older people living in that area and continue to categorized as shown in Table 1 below. The first make a recommendation for housing improvement group is those allowing for interviews. The second guideline related to those issues and relevant is the rest who allow for volunteered visit and survey theories to encourage the elderly to stay living in their with the recommendation of being good samples, homes or their areas in accordance with the Ageing specifically selected by distinction. (Table 1) in Place theory. Besides, this research would support the old people to live in more suitable environment including private and public areas according to the LIMITATIONS theory of Accessible City. This research has the timeframe to limit period of selecting samples, about 8 - 12 months per each SCOPE OF THIS RESEARCH district for all research processes. As it took time to get familiarized by the elderly before they allowed This research is focused on the living conditions of the interviews or house surveys, some sites were the elderly under the social and economic context, not yet allowed for visits and information obtaining. activities, and behaviors in four districts; Phasi Charoen district (Khlong Lat Phachi, Sirin & Friends, Some of the populations were older people with and Rasi Tham Communities), Pra Nakorn district sight impairment or illiterate that they could not read; (Praeng Puthorn Community and Praeng Nara making them unqualified as samples. Community), Wang Thonglang district (Sub Sin Mai

Table 1: Population and samples in the 4 studied areas

Studied areas Phasi Charoen Pra Nakorn Wang Thonglang Din Daeng Population 108 people 65 people 358 people 156 people (Those with names (All of the older (Those living with (Those moved from in Civil Registration people living in the families or in the the old Din Daeng of Phasi Charoen Community) area no less than 2 Flat to G Building) District Office) years) Sample Group 1: 16 people 22 people 38 people 86 people Older persons (Those live in (Those who actually allowing for Sub Sin Mai live there and interviews3 Community) are willing to give information) Sample Group 2: 16 people 22 people 3 people 9 people Older persons (same people as in (same people as in (Specifically (3 live in the units allowing for visit and Group 1) Group 1) selected) designed for the

survey. elderly and 6 living Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) in those of typical design) 121

3 For smaller sample group, should represent at least 30% of the population; with reference to Jamornman, U. (1993). Trirat Jarutach / Nutcha Lertpradit

DATA COLLECTION build familiarity with both the elder people and their routine. The research is based on 2 types of data including primary data and secondary data as followings: After collecting all the data, we analyzed and identified the current living condition of the elderly in the area, Primary data are collected from site surveys, then summarized the brief recommendations for interviews with community leaders or the locals the physical improvement which would be more who knew the targeted older persons well (to help suitable with their daily lives. Later, referring to the introduce the team, and make appointment with the Age-friendly city theory with 8 key areas, research older persons), and the targeted older persons. team ran a focus group with the respondents for better data by listening to their opinions, adjusting Secondary data are collected from printed to find the pleasant options for all people. Those documents and statistics relevant to the target are in accordance of the key number 4 (Social group of older people and the studied areas e.g. participation), 5 (Respect and social inclusion) and 7 the elderly information, basic information of each (Communication and information). Then, the sample district, ownership, pattern of buildings, etc. books group 2 would be selected from some of the sample and materials of the relevant concepts, theories, and group 1 to conduct volunteered detailed surveys of researches and also an information of the elderly in their houses and specific living conditions for final the Chula ARi4 Project to be selected as samples improvements guideline. for this research. Onsite surveys, taking photos and in-depth interviews were subsequently used in the final part of this research, including measured the sites. All data were METHODOLOGIES analyzed and consulted with the architect team to finalize the improvement guidelines for the elderly As mentioned earlier, the population samples of living in urban areas. this research are the elderly who are 60 years old and over, most of whom have vision problems that might affect reading ability. Some seniors are low- income people who did not have enough access to good education so that they were unable to read, FINDINGS and therefore, they were unqualified as samples. The rest who were selected to be samples also From the 4 studied areas, findings are divided into 3 had less issues with senility, so they were viable parts: 1) Social and economic context and housing candidates. To avoid errors and misunderstanding conditions 2) Patterns and issues relevant to the from respondents, this research uses the direct housing conditions 3) Recommendations/ guidelines unstructured interview method. Researchers and for improvement. Details are as follows: assistants collected information at the sites by reading and explaining each question to those elderly in the first sample groups, then noted the 1) Social and economic context response. The interview would cover the 4 areas and housing conditions of basic information: personal data, occupation and income, daily routine, and condition of the house. General information and social status: From the information gathered from the 4 districts, despite In Addison to collecting information from the their different background as described earlier in interviews, researchers and assistants did non- “History and background”, older residents shared participant observation on site to observed activities many characteristics. It was found that the majority and how the spaces are utilized by the elderly. of the older people were female, an average of 71%,

Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) Afterwards, we continued with using participant most of which were married. Lesser portions were observation method by attending in community of single or widowed status, which varied across activities such as yoga and morning aerobics to the districts. 122

4 Chulalongkorn University Platform for Ageing Research Innovation (Chula ARi) Housing Conditions and Improvement Guidelines for the Elderly Living in Urban Areas: Case Studies of Four Bangkok’s Districts

Table 2: Genders of the sampled older persons by district

District Gender Total Phasi Charoen Pra Nakorn Wang Thonglang Din Daeng (n=162) (n=16) (n=22) (n=38) (n=86)

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

Female 11 68.75 15 68.00 31 81.60 58 67.40 115 71.00

Male 5 31.25 7 32.00 7 18.40 28 32.60 47 29.00

Total 16 100.00 22 100.00 38 100.00 86 100.00 162 100.00

Table 3: Marital status of the sampled older persons by district

District Total Phasi Charoen Pra Nakorn Wang Thonglang Din Daeng Marital (n=162) (n=16) (n=22) (n=38) (n=86) status No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

Married 6 37.50 13 59.00 20 52.60 51 59.30 90 55.56

Widowed 3 18.75 3 14.00 12 31.60 18 20.90 36 22.22

Single 4 25.00 6 27.00 2 5.30 12 14.00 24 14.81

Divorced 1 6.25 - - 1 2.60 3 3.50 5 3.09

Others 2 12.50 - - 3 7.90 2 2.30 7 4.32

Total 16 100.00 22 100.00 38 100.00 86 100.00 162 100.00

Economic status: Most of the older people were unemployed, approximately 62%. As for the employed group, its majority worked as low-skill laborers and sellers. Primary source of income for most of the older people was from their children. Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) 123 Trirat Jarutach / Nutcha Lertpradit

Table 4: Occupations of the sampled older persons by district

District Total Phasi Charoen Pra Nakorn Wang Thonglang Din Daeng (n=162) Occupation (n=16) (n=22) (n=38) (n=86)

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

Unemployed 6 37.50 11 50.00 20 52.63 63 73.26 100 61.73

Laborer 7 43.75 2 9.09 7 18.42 12 13.95 28 17.28

Seller 1 6.25 2 9.09 10 26.32 7 8.14 20 12.35

Food seller - 0.00 7 31.82 - 0.00 - 0.00 7 4.32

Officer 2 12.50 - 0.00 - 0.00 - 0.00 2 1.23 worker

Others - 0.00 - 0.00 1 2.63 4 4.65 5 3.09

Total 16 100.00 22 100.00 38 100.00 86 100.00 162 100.00

Health conditions: About 80% of the elderly had health issues. The most prevalent was hypertension. Others found were gastritis, diabetes, etc. However, from the observation, the older persons looked well and strong with minor complications e.g. aches, stammered speech, which were not preventing them from living normally with friends, families, and others in the community.

Table 5: Health conditions of the sampled older persons by district

District

Phasi Charoen Pra Nakorn Wang Thong- Din Daeng Total Health (n=16) (n=22) lang (n=86) (n=162) condition (n=38)

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

With is- 11 68.75 20 90.90 28 73.70 71 82.60 130 80.25 sues

Without 5 31.25 2 9.10 10 26.30 15 17.40 32 19.75 issues

Total 16 100.00 22 100.00 38 100.00 86 100.00 162 100.00

Housing conditions: Buildings of each district had different characteristics as shown in Table 6 below. However, utilization of spaces was similar i.e. how the interior and surrounding spaces of the residence were

Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) used, as behaviors and lifestyle of groups of older persons were similar across the districts. 124 Housing Conditions and Improvement Guidelines for the Elderly Living in Urban Areas: Case Studies of Four Bangkok’s Districts

Table 6: Housing conditions in the 4 studied districts

District Phasi Charoen Pra Nakorn Wang Thonglang Din Daeng

Housing conditions

2-story houses with 2-story commercial 2-story houses, found 28-story building with the design of Ban buildings located in old and new across 2 dedicated floors for Man Kong Housing the conservation zone. each community due older residents (8th – Development Project. The older persons to different times of 9th floor). However, The older persons only lived on the first and construction. The older older residents were lived on the first floor second floor. persons lived on the found living on many of the houses. first and second floor. other floors across the building.

2) Patterns and issues relevant to the housing conditions area, bathroom, and kitchen/ washing area. In Phasi Charoen, Pra Nakorn, and Wang Thonglang, From in-depth interviews and site surveys in the 4 stairways were found in the houses. As for Din districts, it was found that living patterns were similar Daeng district, the building was that of a hi-rise across the districts i.e. living spaces were divided condo without any stairway within the unit. The main into the common area (interior space), sleeping access was through passenger elevators. Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) 125

Figure 2.: House plan of the residence in Phasi Charoen Trirat Jarutach / Nutcha Lertpradit

Figure 3: House plan of the residence in Pra Nakorn Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) 126

Figure 4: House plan of the residence in Wang Thonglang Housing Conditions and Improvement Guidelines for the Elderly Living in Urban Areas: Case Studies of Four Bangkok’s Districts

Figure 5: House plan of the residence in Din Daeng

Across the 4 districts, the survey found issues both For sleeping areas, it is found that the majority similar and different, which were categorized by of elder people were using thin sheets or space utilization i.e. all-purpose area (interior space), mattresses on the floor without a bed which made sleeping area, bathroom/ toilet, kitchen/ washing it inconvenient to get up in the morning. In the area, and stairway. case of having beds, the elderly mostly placed their beds next to the wall with no space left The condition of the all-purpose areas have which caused inaccessibilities. In Phasi Charoen deteriorated. The furniture was inappropriate for District, sleeping area was usually arranged on elderly people to use since tables and chairs are the ground floor of the house, so it was suitable to either too high or too short. Owing to the selection use. However, in some districts, sleeping area was of wall color as a solid color, the atmosphere of the arranged on the second floor of the house which area was covered by a dark haze and gloom. In could possibly cause risk of falling from stairs. , slip-prone floor material such as ceramic tiles were found mostly in use. In Wang Most bathrooms do not have handrails installed Thonglang District, generally, there are stairs at the for the elderly that might lead to risk of slipping entrance of all-purpose area. Even if there are not accidents except in Din Daeng district where rooms many steps, most of them were steep stairs without were intentionally designed for the elderly, so Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) handrails that caused difficulties to older persons. additional handrails have been installed. Despite Besides, the all-purpose area and other areas floor that, the handrails installation was not proper. levels were uneven or even had door curbs as The position was too high and still not suitable for 127 borders in Phra Nakhon and Din Daeng causing practical use. Moreover, in areas other than Din increased risk to the elderly for tripping and falling. Daeng district, there were issues and problems with Trirat Jarutach / Nutcha Lertpradit

other inappropriate designs, such as the bathroom The main physical problem found was that stair area being too small, and the installed position risers were higher than standard heights which was of sanitary wares make them difficult to use. The dangerous to use. Even though we found this similar location of the bathroom was on a different floor physical problems in most areas, each area had with the bedroom. In the toilet or bathroom area, different usage conditions. In Phasi Charoen district, water on the floor drained slowly causing the wet most areas for the elderly are located on the ground and slip-prone floor, etc. floor of the house, so improper staircases were not problem. In Phra Nakhon district, the buildings were Kitchen or washing issues were encountered in old and some located in conservation areas which all districts, mainly due to unsuitable furniture size were not possible to be improved. Stairs found in and forms. Kitchen counters were found mostly that areas were all dangerous with too high risers without open space under the counters which was and too narrow treads yet elderly people still used not convenient for participants who needed to sit them regularly. In Wang Thonglang District, the stairs in a wheelchair or had a walking stick to support were built based on standard width with handrails, walking. Also, the height of counters was too high but those handrails were not suitable for elderly use. and not consistent with the physiology of users. In In the Din Daeng area, since it was a tall building, the Phasicharoen District, it was found that the gas tank elderly accessed their units by using the passenger and gas stove locations are not suitable for usage. elevators. Therefore, there were no major challenges In the area of ​​Wang Thonglang, floor materials in with the use of stairs. The studies found that form the kitchen looks oily that increased risk of slipping. and size of the elevators were suitable for use. In Pra Nakorn district, most kitchen or washing areas were dilapidated. All issues found could be summarized as shown in Table 7.

Table 7: Patterns and physical issues relevant to the housing conditions of the elderly in the 4 districts5

District Phasi Charoen Pra Nakorn Wang Thonglang Din Daeng

Interior all-purpose area

- Deteriorated con- dition and not safe.

- Furniture was - The added improperly high. - This table was too threshold to pro- short. tect against dust and insects, which created uneven - Stair with high ground. risers and without handrails Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) 128

5 Each picture was taken by the research team. Housing Conditions and Improvement Guidelines for the Elderly Living in Urban Areas: Case Studies of Four Bangkok’s Districts

District Phasi Charoen Pra Nakorn Wang Thonglang Din Daeng

Interior all-purpose area (continue)

- The stool was too small and short. The couch was too soft making it dif- ficult to get up.

- The deteriorated floor could cause accidents such as stumbling or slip- ping.

- Dark color of the walls gave a gloomy atmo- sphere. Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) 129

- Uneven floor be- tween rooms (also found thresholds) Trirat Jarutach / Nutcha Lertpradit

District Phasi Charoen Pra Nakorn Wang Thonglang Din Daeng

Sleeping area

- Using mattress on - Using mattress on - The bed was usu- the floor could be the floor could be ally pushed against difficult getting up. difficult getting up. one side of the walls.

- Using mattress on the floor could be difficult getting up.

- The bed was - The bed was usually pushed to usually pushed to one corner; no sur- one corner; no sur- rounding space. rounding space.

- It was proper for the elderly to live on the first floor.

- Some of the older persons slept on the second floor, exposed to risks of using the stairs.

Bathroom/ toilet

- Slippery floor as water was not prop- erly drained.

- No handrails - No handrails - The handrail was installed for the installed for the too high. elderly. elderly. - Far distance from Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) the bed room - No toilet on the

130 second floor, incon- venient for those - Too small without sleeping on the any space for a second floor. care taker. Housing Conditions and Improvement Guidelines for the Elderly Living in Urban Areas: Case Studies of Four Bangkok’s Districts

District Phasi Charoen Pra Nakorn Wang Thonglang Din Daeng

Bathroom/ toilet (continue)

- A toilet with a threshold. - The toilet was away from the walls and too far to reach for when trying to stand up.

Kitchen/ washing area

- Entrance to the kitchen was made with slippery mate- - LPG tank was - Space under the rial. further away from counter was not the stove that the closed and too - The counter was LPG tube was high. not transparent and made long and left too high. hanging across the floor, which could cause an accident from tripping.

- The seat was too short or the person had to squat sitting; difficult for older people. Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) 131

- Kitchen floor was deteriorated and uneven. Trirat Jarutach / Nutcha Lertpradit

District Phasi Charoen Pra Nakorn Wang Thonglang Din Daeng

Stairs

- Too-high risers. - As a high rise building, eleva- - The house had 2 - Too-high risers tors were normally stories but was not and too-narrow used. The design the issue as the threads. and size were older persons lived proper. on the first floor.

- Only one side of the handrail.

- Slippery stairs.

3) Recommendations/ guidelines All-purpose area for improvement The floor was of ceramic tiles or polished cement in The found physical conditions and issues led to bad condition that could cause slipping. This could some recommended guidelines for housing design be improved by using floor materials of rougher and improvement for the residences in the 4 districts, texture. In case of the conserved buildings, which did which could be divided into interior all-purpose area, not allow renovation, vinyl floor tiles could be used sleeping area, bathroom/ toilet, kitchen/ washing on top after fixing the old floor as shown in figure 6. area, and stairs.

Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) 132

Figure 6: Floor materials found at sites (left) and an example of using vinyl floor tiles (right) (Sources: Photos taken by research team (Left), Tarkett Company (Right)) Housing Conditions and Improvement Guidelines for the Elderly Living in Urban Areas: Case Studies of Four Bangkok’s Districts

Figure 7: Uneven floor (left) and an example of a ramp (right) (Sources: Photos taken by research team (Left), Harmar Threshold Ramp - justwalkers.com (Right))

In addition, there was the issue of uneven floor Sleeping area and threshold, which caused difficulties or even accidents from tripping and falling to older persons. Foldable sleeping mattresses were inappropriate Therefore, it was recommended that each joint for older people due to the difficulty of getting up. A should be replaced with a ramp; a built, a ready-to- replacement with a bed is recommended. In case of use, or a moveable one as shown in figure 7 for more space constraint, a foldable bed could be put to use convenience of the older residents as shown in figure 8. Bedroom or sleeping areas for

Figure 8: A foldable mattress from the survey (left) and a foldable bed (right) (Sources: Photos taken by research team (Left), domoreliving.com (Right)) Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) 133 Figure 9: Example of the bed with safety rail and emergency alarm (Source: okwheelchair) Trirat Jarutach / Nutcha Lertpradit

the elderly are on the second floor, which needed to Kitchen/ washing area be access via stairway and could cause accidents. It is recommended that the sleeping area for the older Kitchen counters should be of the height for the use persons should be moved to the first floor. Safety by the elderly, which is 0.75 meter by the standard. rails should be installed at the side of the bed as well However, the number could be adjusted following the as an emergency alarm for the older persons to call height and usage of the individual. Under the counter for assistance conveniently. should be an open space, which was accessible for wheelchairs as shown in figure 11.

Toilet As for the case found in Phasi Charoen district, a long tube between the LPG tank and the stove was The toilet is the area the older people are most likely left on the floor and could cause accidents from to have accidents and should be improved to meet tripping. A replacement with a set of stove tops with the safety standard e.g. by installing a handrail on LPG tank housing is recommended as shown in one side of the wall within a reaching range from the figure 12, for more safety and convenience. toilet bowl. In the case that the toilet bowl was not near either side of the walls, the toilet rail innovation6 could be used as shown in figure 10. The handrails available in the market could be costly. A cheaper alternative of PVC pipe could also be considered to save cost and still could reduce the risk of the older persons having accident in the toilet.

Figure 10: The toilet without a handrail of one of the samples (left) and an example use of the toilet rail innovation (right) (Sources: Photos taken by research team (Left), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital (Right)) Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) 134

6 The Toilet Rail innovation was awarded an outstanding innovation in 2015 by the Top Star Project, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. Housing Conditions and Improvement Guidelines for the Elderly Living in Urban Areas: Case Studies of Four Bangkok’s Districts

Figure 11: Example of a kitchen counter appropriate for the elderly (Source: kitchenmagic.com)

Figure 12: The kitchen with safety issue (left) and an example of the improvement (right) (Sources: Photos taken by research team (Left), muangnongas.com (Right)) Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) 135 Trirat Jarutach / Nutcha Lertpradit

Stairs to meet the minimum standard size for safer use by older persons. The risers and treads should also be Stairways in some studied communities were found distinguished with different colors. Anti-slippery tape with higher risers and narrow treads as shown in should also be added on for more safety as shown figure 13. It was recommended to rebuild the stairs in figure 14.

Figure 13. Inappropriate stairways found at the studied sites. (Sources: Photos taken by research team)

Figure 14. Example use of anti-slippery tape (left) and the stairs with distinguished colors of risers and threads (right) (Source: www.marketingoops.com/news/brand-move/aging-society) Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning 18 (2020) 136 Housing Conditions and Improvement Guidelines for the Elderly Living in Urban Areas: Case Studies of Four Bangkok’s Districts

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